Slakiem Prawoslawia: A Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Poland and Ukraine
June 11, 2025
Welcome to an extraordinary pilgrimage along the route of the Orthodox shrines of Poland and Ukraine. This spiritual journey will allow us to discover the beauty of sacred architecture, the depth of tradition and the extraordinary atmosphere of the places of worship of Eastern Christianity. Our route will lead us through the most important centers of Orthodoxy in both countries, offering not only a spiritual experience, but also a fascinating lesson in history and culture. Prepare to encounter the majestic Orthodox churches, mysterious monasteries and miraculous icons that have attracted believers and pilgrims for centuries. Whether you are a firm believer or simply interested in culture and art, this pilgrimage promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. So let's embark on this fascinating journey that will give us a better understanding of the richness and diversity of Orthodox tradition in our part of Europe.
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Pearls of Orthodoxy in Western Poland
Our pilgrimage begins from the western borderlands of Poland, where Orthodoxy, though less numerous, has retained its beauty and spiritual depth. Our first stop is Wroclaw, where we find the majestic Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. This impressive building, located at 40 St. Nicholas Street, is the heart of Orthodoxy in Lower Silesia. To reach the cathedral, it's best to use public transportation - the 'University' stop is just a few minutes' walk away. The cathedral is open daily, with services held at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, but be sure to dress appropriately - women should have their heads and shoulders covered, and men should wear long pants.
The interior of the Orthodox church impresses with its rich iconostasis and frescoes by Jerzy Nowosielski. Especially noteworthy is the icon of the Mother of God, which attracts many believers. Special educational brochures have been prepared for families with children, explaining the symbolism and history of Orthodoxy in an accessible way.
The next point on our route is Swidnica, where the Orthodox Parish of St. Nicholas awaits us. St. Nicholas. This small but charming temple is located at 49 Waleriana Łukasińskiego St. Access is possible by city bus or car - parking is in the immediate vicinity of the church. The parish organizes regular services, as well as religious lessons for children and young people. It is worth contacting the parish priest at the phone number available on the parish website to arrange the best time to visit.
For those who want to deepen their knowledge of Orthodoxy, a visit to the headquarters of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Warsaw at 52 Al. 'Solidarności' St. This administrative and spiritual center of Orthodoxy in Poland offers the opportunity to meet with clergy and learn about the history of the Church. The facility is available on weekdays, and it is best to arrange a visit in advance by phone.
It's worth remembering that all of these places are open year-round, but particularly solemn services are held during Orthodox holidays, such as Christmas (January 7) and Easter (movable date). When planning a visit with children, it is advisable to bring comfortable shoes and light snacks, as the tour can take several hours. There are parks or squares near each of the temples mentioned, where you can relax and enjoy a meal.
The spiritual heart of Poland - Lublin and surroundings
Our pilgrimage now takes us to the eastern region of Poland, where Orthodoxy has particularly strong roots. The focal point of this part of the trip is Lublin, a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Here awaits us the Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a majestic temple located at 15 Ruska St. This is a place of extraordinary atmosphere, where history is intertwined with living faith.
The cathedral is easily accessible - it is located in the center of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town. For visitors, it will be most convenient to use public transportation - the nearest bus stop is 'Brama Krakowska'. Parking for cars is available on nearby streets, but due to its central location, it may be difficult to find a space during rush hour.
The temple is open daily, but opening hours may vary depending on the day of the week and season. Services are held regularly, and a detailed schedule can be found on the cathedral's website or obtained by phone. Admission to the cathedral is free, but be sure to wear appropriate attire - modest and covering shoulders and knees.
The interior of the cathedral impresses with its wealth of frescoes and icons. Two miraculous icons are particularly noteworthy: Lublin Icon of the Mother of God and Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God. Each of them has its own fascinating story, which is worth knowing. Special educational programs have been prepared for families with children, which present the symbolism and meaning of the temple's design elements in an accessible way.
After visiting the cathedral, take a stroll through the Old Town of Lublin. There are many attractions within walking distance, such as Lublin Castle and the Krakow Gate. This is an excellent opportunity to combine a spiritual experience with learning about the history and culture of the region.
For those who want to deepen their experience of Orthodoxy, we recommend a trip to the nearby Dormition Monastery of the Mother of God in Zimne, Ukraine. It's a place with a unique atmosphere, where you can experience authentic monastic life. The monastery is located at 56 Monastyrska Street in Zymne, about 150 km from Lublin. The best way to get there is by car, but you need to remember the formalities of crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border.
The monastery is open to visitors, but it is worth contacting the administration in advance to determine the best time for a visit. The place is famous for its hospitality, but keep in mind that it is an active monastery, so certain rules regarding behavior and dress apply. We especially recommend attending morning or evening services, which allow you to fully experience the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
When planning a visit to the monastery, it is worth reserving a whole day for this excursion. There are many picturesque places in the area, iden for a picnic or a short rest. For families with children, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, headgear and water - the tour can be quite intense, especially on warm days.
Remember that both the Cathedral in Lublin and the Monastery in Zimne are places of deep spiritual significance. Keeping the believers calm and respectful is key to fully experiencing these unique places.
Orthodox treasures of Ukraine
Our pilgrimage now takes us deeper into Ukraine, where Orthodoxy is deeply rooted in the country's culture and history. The next major stop on our route is Chervonogrod, home to the impressive St. Vladimir's Church. This temple, located in the center of the city, is not only a place of worship, but also an important architectural monument.
St. Vladimir's Church in Chervonogorod is easily accessible - it is located in the heart of the city, on the main street. For tourists coming from Poland, the most convenient way to get there will be by car or bus from the border crossing in Hrebenne. Parking is available near the Orthodox church, but it can be crowded on holidays.
The temple is open daily, but opening hours may vary depending on the day of the week and season. Services are held regularly, with particularly solemn services on Sundays and holidays. Admission to the Orthodox church is free, but it is advisable to remember to dress appropriately - modestly and covering the shoulders and knees.
The interior of the Orthodox church impresses with its wealth of frescoes and icons. Special attention should be paid to the iconostasis, which is a true work of art. Special educational programs have been prepared for families with children, which present the history and significance of this place in an accessible way.
After visiting the Orthodox church, it is worthwhile to go for a stroll in the town of Czerwonogrod. The city has a rich history, and there are many other interesting places to visit in its vicinity.
For those who want to deepen their experience of Orthodoxy in Ukraine, we recommend a visit to Lutsk, where there are several important churches. One of them is the Orthodox Church of the Protection of the Mother of God, located at 12 Danyl Halytskoho St. It is a monument of national significance that is stunning in its architecture and atmosphere.
The church is easily accessible - it is located in the center of Lutsk, a short walk from the main bus station. For tourists arriving by car, parking is available in the area. The temple is open daily, but it's best to check the opening hours on the official website or call before visiting.
The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes and icons. Especially noteworthy are the ancient wall paintings that have survived for many centuries. In the warm months, the area around the church is beautifully flowered, which adds to the charm of the place.
When planning a visit to Lutsk, it is worth reserving a full day for sightseeing. There are many other interesting places in the city, such as Lubart Castle and the Old Town. For families with children, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, headgear and water - sightseeing can be intense, especially on warm days.
Keep in mind that both St. Vladimir's Church in Chervonogrod and the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Lutsk are places of deep spiritual significance. Keeping the believers calm and respectful is key to fully experiencing these unique places.
At the end of our pilgrimage, it is worth emphasizing that Orthodoxy in Poland and Ukraine is a living tradition that continues to play an important role in the lives of many people. By visiting these holy places, we have a chance not only to learn about the fascinating history and architecture, but also to experience the deep spirituality that has endured through the centuries. Regardless of our personal beliefs, this trip offers a unique insight into the culture and traditions of Eastern Europe, leaving unforgettable impressions and memories.
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